The 2005 Nissan Lineup - Charting the Changes
The larger, more powerful 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup has more than a passing resemblance to the recently introduced Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Along with its modern, rugged styling, the all-new Frontier shares a number of significant features with Titan, including its suspension design, innovative spray-in bedliner, Utili-track™ bed channel tie-down system and fully boxed, all-steel frame based on Titan’s F-Alpha platform.
The third generation Frontier, which is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, is designed to deliver exceptional levels of acceleration, handling and braking, towing capacity and off-road capability. Along with the solid foundation provided by the F-Alpha truck platform, the Frontier features a newly designed 4.0-liter DOHC V6 with more V6 power than any other pickup - 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque - and a choice of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive with advanced off-road technology including (on 4x4 models) 4-Wheel Limited-Slip (ALBS).
The 2005 Frontier, like previous generations, will be assembled at Nissan\'s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Frontier King Cab and Frontier Crew Cab are scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late 2004.
Key features of the 2005 Frontier include:
· Bigger, bolder body with enhanced dimensions versus the current Frontier:
King Cab Crew Cab
Wheelbase (in.) 125.9 (+9.8) 125.9 (+9.8)
Length (in.) 205.5 (+2.6) 205.5 (+5.6)
Width (in.) 72.8 (+1.6) 72.8 (+1.6)
Height (in.) 69.7 (+3.0) 70.1 (+3.4) w/o roof rack
· 6,000+ lbs maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped)
· 1,600 lbs maximum payload (when properly equipped)
· Available advanced off-road traction systems and substantially enhanced overall off-road capability
· More spacious, more comfortable interior (versus previous generation Frontier) with flexible seating and cargo utility
Xterra
The enhancements for the second generation Xterra, all in keeping with the spirit of the first, include more power, more roominess and more utility. The new Xterra also offers greatly improved off-road performance, a new 4.0-liter V6 and an all-new rugged, fully boxed all-steel frame.
Xterra’s new exterior styling evokes that of the original, including a highly functional roof rack (now with latchable lid). Inside, the 2005 Xterra offers more room, especially in 2nd row head room and leg room, and enhanced utility of the multi-flex cargo area – including an easy-to-clean luggage area and an adjustable channel system in the cargo floor.
The new Xterra will be assembled at Nissan\'s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. It is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2005.
Key features of the 2005 Xterra include:
· New 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 250-plus horsepower and 270-plus lb-ft of torque (final figures will be announced closer to production)
· Available 4WD system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes and an electronically controlled part-time transfer case
· Available high-performance gas shocks
· Available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and other advanced off-road traction systems
Altima
Originally launched in 2002, the current generation Altima was designed to provide an exciting alternative to the otherwise ordinary mid-size sedan segment. In 2005, Altima bolsters that concept with a dramatic overhaul to the one of the most popular Nissan vehicles. Refinements for the 2005 model year include several styling enhancements, two new exterior colors, a totally revamped interior for a higher quality look and feel and newly available features such as a DVD-based navigation system. Also, Altima\'s V6 engine has been refined to produce five more horsepower.
Enhancements to the 2005 Altima include:
· New restyled headlamps and taillights
· Restyled smooth front fascia with a distinctive raised hood design
· New Nissan family grille
· 250-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 249 lb-ft of torque (increases of five horsepower and three lb-ft torque)
· New wheels for all trim levels
· New instrument panel design, center console, trim finishes, seat materials and headliner
· New chrome door handles and chrome accents around gauges
· New 3-spoke steering wheel design
· New SL package for both 4-cylinder and V6 models
· Available DVD-based navigation system
Altima SE-R
2005 marks the first-ever Altima SE-R model. The Altima SE-R’s standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine has been tuned to a higher level of performance (compared with other 2005 Altima models) and the suspension has been enhanced with performance-tuned front struts and rear shocks, stiffer front and rear springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars. The SE-R comes with 225/45R18 Y-speed rated tires and 18-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels.
The SE-R’s exterior offers a number of special features, including unique front and rear fascias, compact fog lights, new rear spoiler and side sill spoilers and large dual exhaust finishers. Inside, the SE-R features sport-shaped leather-appointed front seats with red or gray leather perforated inserts, dark chrome trim and a three-pod center-mounted gauge package, which is similar to that found on the legendary 350Z.
Key features of the 2005 Altima SE-R include:
· Unique rear spoiler and side sill spoilers and front and rear fascias with distinctive raised hood design
· 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 251 lb-ft of torque
· Drilled aluminum pedals
· Standard HID xenon headlights with unique bezel color
· Performance-tuned suspension with recalibrated front struts and rear shocks, stiffer front and rear springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars
· Large 12.6x1.1-inch front brakes with silver painted front and rear calipers, SE-R logo on front calipers and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
· Standard Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers, in-dash 6-disc CD
Titan King Cab and Titan Crew Cab
The 2005 Titan is in a league of its own when it comes to capability and innovation, bringing a fresh alternative in the full-size truck category. Features include a spacious cabin with best-in-class interior room (Crew Cab), class-exclusive Wide-Open™ rear doors that open 168 degrees for almost unlimited interior access (King Cab), a high-utility bed with an industry-first factory-applied spray-in bedliner, a Utili-track™ tie-down system that provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility and an integrated, lockable bedside storage compartment.
Titan is built on the F-Alpha truck platform, featuring a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 producing 305 horsepower and best-in-class 379 lb-ft torque, standard 5-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds (when properly equipped).
Conceived, developed, styled and engineered primarily in North America, Titan is assembled at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Canton, Mississippi.
Enhancements to the 2005 Titan include:
· Crew Cab models receive a standard power up/down rear window with defroster
· Dampened tailgate assist on all models
· Standard active head restraints for front driver and front passenger
· “Brushed aluminum” interior trim on LE models
· Spray-in bedliner available as stand-alone option on XE
· Leather-appointed bench seat available on LE
· Unique wheel finish for SE models
· New badging on front doors “V8 TITAN”
· New exterior color – Red Alert (replaces Sedona)
· New interior color – Steel (replaces Sand/Steel)
Armada
The powerful, spacious 2005 Nissan Armada, proudly takes the Nissan name and reputation for innovation to a new dimension. Built for outdoor family adventures, the Armada features a rugged, full-length boxed high-strength steel frame; an independent rear suspension; and a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine offering one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings in the full-size light duty SUV class and the highest maximum towing capacity in class at 9,100 lbs. (when properly equipped).
The Armada also offers distinctive exterior styling, class-leading (full-size, light duty SUV class) second row roominess, fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seating, and a long list of standard and available features and equipment – including a full-length overhead console with available DVD entertainment system, exceptional interior storage, and a removable 2nd row center console (available with optional 2nd row captain\'s chairs).
Enhancements to the 2005 Armada include:
· Standard illuminated key ring
· Standard active head restraints for front driver and passenger and seatbelt pretensioners for the 1st row
· Unique wheel finish for SE models
· “metallic” accent trim for LE and SE models
· New exterior color – Red Brawn
· New power liftgate added to the SE Sunroof Package, SE Upgrade Package is now standard on SE models
· Revised Sand interior color
· LE Upgrade Package is now standard on LE models
· New RearView Monitor added to the Technology Package
Quest
More than a minivan, the 2005 Nissan Quest is a completely different approach to the minivan segment with emphasis placed on performance and style, while also being among the largest vehicles in the segment. Its long wheelbase (which allows for the widest opening sliding doors in the segment), wide track and arching roofline make for a sporty appearance hardly indicative of a minivan.
The Quest interior features include 2nd and 3rd row folding seats, a Bose® audio system (the first ever Bose system developed for a minivan in the U.S.) with 10 speakers, a DVD Entertainment System and a dramatic SkyView glass roof panel system that creates a bright and airy feeling throughout the cabin.
Enhancements to the 2005 Quest include:
· 5-speed automatic transmission is now standard on 3.5SL
· New standard 3.5S Power Package for 3.5S models
· Bose audio added to the Leather Package on 3.5SL models
· Three new exterior colors – Galaxy Black, Jade and Majestic Blue; deleted three exterior colors – Sahara Gold, Green Tea and Azure Blue
· Adjustable armrests added to front leather-appointed seats
· Roof rack standard on 3.5S
· Standard active head restraints for driver and front passenger
· Standard Vehicle Security System (VSS)
· Available satellite radio
350Z Coupe
The high performance Nissan Z®, which comes with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, has sold over 70,000 units since its introduction to the U.S. market in August 2002. The stylish, 287-horsepower 350Z continues the Z heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced 35 years ago as a 1970 model. In 2005, the 350Z adds only minor enhancements.
Enhancements to the 2005 350Z Coupe:
· Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
· Clutch pedal effort has been reduced for easier operation
· 5-speed automatic transmission features downshift rev matching
· Standard driver’s seat front and rear lifter
· Heated outside mirrors
· Faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times
· Newly available Ultra-Yellow exterior color (Liquid Aluminum exterior no longer available)
350Z Roadster
The 350Z Roadster offers sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in 20 seconds. The fully automatic soft top stows compactly under a lightweight tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down. The Z Roadster will continue to offer the powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft torque.
Enhancements to the 2005 350Z Roadster include:
· Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
· Clutch pedal effort has been reduced for easier operation
· 5-speed automatic transmission features downshift rev matching
· Standard driver’s seat front and rear lifter (except for net seat design)
· Heated outside mirrors
· Faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times
· Newly available Ultra-Yellow exterior color (Liquid Aluminum exterior no longer available)
Maxima
The 2005 Nissan Maxima continues to offer an unmatched blend of performance and luxury. The sixth generation Maxima combines traditional Maxima performance with expressive sports styling and bold innovation to create a top-of-the-line sports sedan. An aggressive exterior design captures the characteristics of a performance car and a luxury sedan all in one, while a standard, segment-first SkyView™ glass-paneled roof creates an open interior environment for front and rear passengers.
Enhancements to the 2005 Maxima include:
· Improved manual transmission shift feeling with shorter shift stroke
· Available auto dimming outside mirrors, new 12V power point at base of center stack
· Black tone brake calipers
· New, softer seat leather in leather-equipped vehicles
· Chrome interior door handle, lock and parking brake handle
· Standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System
Sentra / Sentra SE-R
Nissan continues to refine the fifth generation Sentra sedan with styling enhancements and additional convenience features for 2005. The 1.8 S model becomes an even better value with the addition of cruise control, trip computer and new seat fabrics. The sport-inspired Sentra SE-R receives minor enhancements, including upgraded seat fabrics, a new shift knob on the SE-R Spec V and new exterior colors. Sentra is offered in two engine choices – a 126-horsepower DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine (1.8 and 1.8 S) and a 165-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine (175-horsepower on SE-R Spec V).
Enhancements to the 2005 Sentra / Sentra SE-R:
· New value-driven 1.8 S Special Edition Package
· New front grille paint treatment and body-colored door handles
· Upper instrument panel storage bin and body-colored door handles standard on 1.8
· Trip computer and cruise control standard on 1.8 S
· New color for meter cluster housing on SE-R, new seat fabrics on all models
· New 6MT shift knob (SE-R Spec V)
· Four new exterior colors: Code Red, Blue Dusk, Jaded (not available on SE-R) and Brilliant Aluminum
Murano
The 2005 Nissan Murano crossover sport utility vehicle combines the uncompromising functional aspects of a true SUV with the ride comfort of a sport sedan in a highly refined, well-equipped package. To maintain Murano’s fresh look in 2005, Nissan adds three new exterior colors to its color palette, and consistent with Nissan’s standards of luxury and technology, the 2005 Murano offers optional Intelligent Key entry and ignition. Nissan also adds rollover sensors to the side curtain air bag in 2005 to enhance Murano’s already extensive passive safety system.
Enhancements to the 2005 Murano:
· New S model in both 2WD and AWD
· Standard side curtain air bag with rollover sensor
· Three new exterior colors: Merlot, Chardonnay and Platinum
· Added packages:
· S Convenience Package – Roof rails, cargo cover and net, adjustable pedals, front seatback pockets and 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar
· Technology Package – DVD-based navigation system and RearView monitor
· SE Leather Package – leather-appointed seats and 4-way power passenger seat
· SL and SE Touring Packages – adds Intelligent Key
· SL Leather Package – adds optional wood trim with Café Latte interior